St. Augustine Florida Travel Guide

For visitors to St. Augustine hotels who are looking for a truly unique experience for the entire family, consider taking a day to visit Marineland, located just 20 minutes south of St. Augustine. Marineland’s Dolphin Conservation Center is open to the public and offers the opportunity to do what many people have always dreamed about: swimming with dolphins!

Guests of St. Augustine hotels such as The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village can choose from a variety of program options, ranging from greeting the dolphins from the edge of the pools, to shallow water encounters, and all the way up to deep-water swimming. For those St. Augustine hotel guests who are in a more creative mood, perhaps you’d like to choose a program where the dolphins paint a masterpiece for you to take home!

Although the dolphins no longer participate in show performances, a general admission option is available to St. Augustine hotel guests who just want to watch the dolphins play and swim. Marineland is open daily from 8:30am to 4:30pm, and an inexpensive general admission ticket grants guests access to various viewing areas where you can watch the dolphins in their 1.3 million gallon pool.

In business for over 70 years now, Marineland is dedicated to preserving the life of bottlenose dolphins. Visitors from St. Augustine hotels can visit the conservation center to learn more about the dolphins and the missions of the facility.

Finally, for those guests of St. Augustine hotels who are planning a wedding or special event, Marineland’s facility allows for guest seating up to 400 people as well as beautiful arrangements for receptions and parties. Plus, attendees of your event will be thrilled with the presence of the dolphins as extra guests at the party!

For travelers staying in St. Augustine hotels or Florida golf resorts such at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village, a visit to The World Golf Hall of Fame is a must during your trip. Located in St. Augustine, Florida, the Hall of Fame opened in 1998 in order to pay tribute to the greatest men and women golfers in the world. The museum is a non-profit organization and is supported by golf organizations from all over the world.

At the Hall of Fame museum, visitors of Florida golf resorts will find permanent displays as well as a variety of temporary, rolling exhibits. Those staying at St. Augustine hotels can tour the museum to learn about the game’s history, heritage, and techniques as well as the players themselves, golf course design, equipment, clothing, and newer topics such as environmental concerns.

Membership into the Hall of Fame is considered to be among the highest honors in golf. A place in the Hall of Fame is not only reserved for professionals, but amateurs, architects, journalists, and others who have positively impacted the game of golf. St. Augustine hotel guests can be part of a real treat when the annual induction ceremony is held this year on November 10, 2008.

Members of the Hall of Fame are selected based on established criteria in five categories: PGA Tour, International Ballot, LPGA Point System, Lifetime Achievement, and Veterans. A board of directors chooses each year’s inductees. At the induction ceremony, special vacation packages are available to those looking to plan a very special Florida golf resort vacation. This year, six new members will be inducted, bringing the total to 126 members.

If you love golf, plan a trip to The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village the signature Florida golf resort of the World Golf Village, home of the Hall of Fame. Admission to the Hall of Fame gives you access to the museum, a round on the putting course, and a film in the IMAX theater. Cap off your visit with a stop for lunch and maybe follow it with your own memory-making round of golf at one of the nearby Florida golf resorts.

For guests of St. Augustine hotels, October may be the perfect time to go on one of St. Augustine’s ghost tours. It has long been rumored that St. Augustine is haunted, and it may be even spookier so close to Halloween!

The tours are safe and friendly for all ages, so for families staying in St. Augustine hotels, parents need not worry about taking the little ones along. Tours range from walking to riding, to even sailing. Tours include a professional storyteller, who will tell haunted tales throughout the tour. Most importantly, nothing is made up on these tours! Anything you see or hear is authentic and real…there are no special effects.

Guests of St. Augustine hotels can enjoy the walking tour every night of the year, including holidays. The way will be lighted by lantern as your tour guide takes you through two cemeteries, haunted bed and breakfasts, and many other ghostly sites. For those staying in St. Augustine hotels, you may find it especially appealing that this tour was voted number one in the state of Florida.

Another ghost tour lets the visitors ride along as you visit old city streets, the haunted lighthouse, and many other old St. Augustine sites. The guide will tell stories along the way of unsolved mysteries and murders, as well as give you the chance to disembark for an up close and personal inspection of several sites. Visitors staying in St. Augustine hotels will certainly enjoy this trip as they take this journey through the night.

Finally, for St. Augustine hotel guests who prefer a ride on the water, sign up for an hour-long sailing ghost tour on the bay. Enjoy stargazing as you sail along the haunted waters and listen to ghost stories told by the crew. On this tour, St. Augustine hotel guests will also enjoy snacks and drinks along the way.

October is the spookiest month of the year, which makes it the best time for guests of St. Augustine hotels to explore one of the most haunted cities in Florida.

For guests of Florida golf resorts looking to take a break from the course, there is always something to do in St. Augustine, every day of the week and all season long. Known as the “Old City,” visitors of Florida golf resorts in the St. Augustine area will enjoy the multitude of activities and options for entertainment there are here.

During the winter, Florida golf resort guests may enjoy taking advantage of the sunny and mild afternoons by walking along the streets and shopping at the many stores. St. Augustine is known for having a beautiful array of antiques, handcrafted gifts, and blown glass among other unique gifts. For those Florida golf resort guests who are seeking style, you’ll find plenty of options for fashionable clothing, shoes, and accessories. When night falls and the temperature drops, Florida golf resort guests will certainly enjoy the Nights of Lights celebration in town, where millions of white lights sparkle in the evening.

For guests of Florida golf resorts visiting St. Augustine in the spring, the weather will quickly warm up enough for your daytime tee time, tennis, and other sports. Spring breaks are the best times to plan family trips to the famous historic sites of St. Augustine. Springtime is also a very popular time for guests of Florida golf resorts to hold weddings in the Old City, with the orange blossoms and azaleas around town all in bloom.

In the summer, take a break from your Florida golf resort to make plenty of time to visit one of St. Augustine’s many gorgeous area beaches. When not on the course, guests of Florida golf resorts will love to try parasailing and other water sports that are available. Summer evenings are also perfect for a stroll down St. George Street as well as dinner and drinks in one of St. Augustine’s many fine restaurants. Guests of Florida golf resorts enjoy dining al fresco at restaurants such as A1A Aleworks, the beautiful Reef Restaurant, and Panama Hatties.

Finally, when the weather begins to cool again in the fall, and the sun begins to set a little earlier, guests of Florida golf resorts will really enjoy going on one of the many ghost tours in St. Augustine. The cooler weather is also perfect for a romantic carriage ride through town (perfect for proposals!), where you can bundle up with a blanket and enjoy the company of your significant other. St. Augustine also offers Florida golf resort guests the opportunity to ride on a narrated carriage, where you can learn the history of the town while you take in the sights.

There is always something happening in St. Augustine, and we’re sure that guests of Florida golf resorts, including the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village, will love finding new things to do every day of the year. Stop by the concierge desk for more information on making your stay at this Florida golf resort a memory that lasts a lifetime.

The nation’s oldest and only remaining 17th-century stone fort still stands overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in beautiful St. Augustine, Florida. The site of over 330 years of history, Castillo de San Marcos is frequently toured by local visitors and guests from St. Augustine hotels interested in the history of the area.

The Spanish founded the city of St. Augustine in 1565. Over the next century, nine wooden forts defended St. Augustine. Following the 1668 attack of an English pirate, it was decided by the Queen Regent of Spain that a masonry fort should be constructed to protect the city. Hundreds of years later, guests from modern St. Augustine hotels can still see the structure that resulted.

In October of 1672, construction began on the fort that would become the Castillo de San Marcos. The process took 23 years, with the famous fort finally being completed in 1695. The structure as it was built then is not a far cry from the fort explored by guests from St. Augustine hotels today – despite many attacks, various periods of reconstruction, and occupation by the Spanish, British and Americans.

The Castillo is a masonry star fort made of a stone called “coquina”, which literally means “little shells.” Coquina is composed of ancient shells that have bonded together to form a type of stone similar to limestone. It was ferried across the water from nearby Anastasia Island to build the fort. The texture and weight of the materials and the sheer size of the building typically amaze visitors from St. Augustine hotels.

Nowadays, the Castillo continues to come alive for Florida golf resort visitors partaking in vacations at premier St. Augustine hotels like The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village. For those from St. Augustine hotels who can tear themselves away from the greens, there are great offerings at the fort, such as Ranger talks, museum exhibits, historical weapons demonstrations, living history reenactments and other special events.

There are so many interesting sights in St. Augustine for Florida golf resort guests looking to explore America’s oldest city. One of these is Flagler College, which is located in the downtown area of historic St. Augustine, Florida and features buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Florida golf resort guests can tour the college’s 19 acres, the centerpiece of which is Ponce de Leon Hall, built in 1888 as a luxury St. Augustine hotel. The architects of the hall were John Carrere and Thomas Hastings. The were commissioned by Henry Morrison Flagler, famous industrialist, oil magnate and railroad pioneer who made his mark in St. Augustine, Florida near the end of the 19th century.

Flagler and his partner, John D. Rockefeller, each showcased his wealth in Florida. Thus, it’s no wonder that the former Hotel Ponce de Leon is a National Historic Landmark and considered one of the finest examples of Spanish Renaissance architecture. According to students, tourists and Florida golf resort guests alike, most of the buildings maintain their original appeal in a way that makes it seem like time stood still for centuries here.

Since its founding in 1968, the college has spent more than $43 million restoring the historic campus and adding new buildings. Of the 15 buildings on campus, eight are historic, contributing to the feeling Florida golf resort guests get of being transported to another era. The dining room still boasts Tiffany windows valued in the millions, and what are now dorms once housed presidents and celebrities who stayed at the resort.

Just four miles from the Atlantic Ocean, Flagler College’s setting fascinates Florida golf resort guests from modern day luxury St. Augustine hotels such as The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village. The school’s buildings and its location in the heart of the city make it a great place to catch a glimpse of St. Augustine’s extensive past during a Florida golf resort vacation.

Those who frequent St. Augustine hotels or know the area well will attest: The local art scene is always lively. America’s oldest city happily plays host to live music, theater productions and film organizations, as well as dozens of art galleries, a summer concert series and special “First Friday” Art Walks.

St. Augustine’s Flagler College presents regular gallery openings, welcoming the public and St. Augustine hotel guests to peruse the work exhibited by fine art students. The St. Augustine area has a very diverse music scene as well. From country western to rhythm and blues to jazz, rock, folk and classical – if you’ve heard it, it’s here. Live bands from many genres can be enjoyed at various venues around downtown St. Augustine and Anastasia Island.

Mix an exciting evening out with delicious outdoor dining and live music, and you’ve got a St. Augustine hotel vacation experience not to be missed. Visitors to such area hotels as The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village truly can’t get enough of the city’s vibrant artistic ambiance – or its outdoor dining and accompanying culinary excellence.

With everything from full service restaurants to quaint cafes in the historic district, you can always find a restaurant, bar or casual dining venue that offers live music as you dine downtown. St. Augustine hotel guests can also listen to live music in the various clubs and nightspots located along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Whatever you prefer, the St. Augustine music scene has plenty to offer you. The City of St. Augustine hosts an annual “Concerts in the Park” series every summer. These concerts are held in the Plaza downtown on Thursday evenings and feature local bands, as well as an out-of-town band or two. Access is free, but St. Augustine hotel visitors are reminded to bring a cushion or chair to sit on. Or better yet, just wear your dancing shoes!

Also, don’t miss St. Augustine’s “First Friday” Art Walks, which are held on the first Friday of every month. On these evenings, all the local galleries open their doors and offer free drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Live music performances can be enjoyed by St. Augustine hotel guests during the walk. First Friday or not, art galleries all over town are always glad to welcome interested parties of every variety – whether browsers and buyers.

Ripley’s Sightseeing Trains – yes, as in “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!” – has been providing St. Augustine visitors and Florida golf resort guests with a unique introduction to the nation’s oldest city for more than 50 years. By day, enjoy an interesting, fact-packed historic tour. By night, find out if St. Augustine is actually haunted on Ripley’s Ghost Train Adventure.

Ideal for the whole family, each narrated train ride transports tourists, local visitors and guests from such premier Florida golf resorts as The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village along a seven-mile circuit and back in time. During the day, Ripley’s Sightseeing Trains make over 20 stops at some of the nation’s most intriguing and historically significant attractions.

Each ticket purchased for the daytime train tour is valid for up to three days. Thus, visitors taking a Florida golf resort vacation are welcome to hop on and off the train at selected sites, including such St. Augustine attractions as “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!” Museum, the Fountain of Youth and the famous fort, Castillo de San Marcos.

For those Florida golf resort guests brave enough to go on Ripley’s 90-minute Ghost Train Adventure, which runs Tuesday through Saturday evenings starting at 8:30 pm, you’ll arrive in a Victorian Era parlor for check-in. Here, you’ll receive a device to assist in detecting unusual energy and a camera to record your experience. These will be your ghost-hunting tools as you tour the most haunted areas of the nation’s oldest city.

Florida golf resort guests who would rather be frightened on foot can take walking ghost tour as well. Whether by train or by foot, Ripley’s ghost tour hosts will thrill you with tales of St. Augustine’s haunted history. Each ghost tour is then followed by a half hour of exploration in Ripley’s dim Castle Warden, complete with stairs that creak and spooky ancient artifacts.

Whether you’ve come to the area primarily for a Florida golf resort vacation, to enjoy the beaches, or to discover America’s oldest city, Ripley’s Sightseeing Trains and walking tours offer an engaging way for the whole family to relax, explore and learn.

Ripley’s Sightseeing Trains – yes, as in Ripley’s Believe It or Not! – has been providing St. Augustine visitors and Florida golf resort guests with a unique introduction to the nation’s oldest city for more than 50 years. By day, enjoy a sunny, interesting, fact-packed historic tour. By night, find out if St. Augustine is actually haunted on Ripley’s Ghost Train Adventure.

Ideal for the whole family, each narrated train ride transports tourists, local visitors and guests from such premier Florida golf resorts as The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village along a seven-mile circuit and back in time, with over 20 stops at some of the nation’s most exciting and historically significant attractions.

Whether you’ve come to the area primarily for a Florida golf resort vacation, to enjoy the beaches, or to discover America’s oldest city, Ripley’s Sightseeing Trains offer a most interesting way to relax, explore and learn. Each ticket purchased by Florida golf resort guests is valid for up to three days. Thus, Florida golf resort guests are welcome to hop on and off at selected sites, including Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, the Fountain of Youth and the Castillo de San Marcos.

On the coast of Florida, St. Augustine hotel guests discover more than one beach to enjoy. Some of the area’s beaches are quiet, while others draw crowds. But all are equally inspiring, whether you’re seeking to obtain peace of mind – or a piece of the action.

Just south of the famous beaches of St. Augustine is Crescent Beach, which is situated on Anastasia Island, a wildlife refuge. This beach appeals to St. Augustine hotel guests as one of the most scenic, unspoiled beaches in Florida. Great for a day trip for those staying at such St. Augustine hotels as The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village, Crescent beach offers boating, diving and fishing among its many refreshing pastimes.

Head north of Crescent Beach and you’ll hit St. Augustine Beach, where you can enjoy sandy shores, the St. Johns County Pier, a playground, pavilion, fishing pier, volleyball courts, fine dining, shopping and worlds more. Always popular among St. Augustine hotel guests, St. Augustine Beach attracts visitors all year long to America’s oldest city.

Ponte Vedra Beach is located in northern St. Johns County, south of the city of Ponte Vedra, which is home to the PGA Tour, the Players Championship each spring, and the Association of Tennis Professionals Tour. As a guest at The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village, St. Augustine vacationers enjoy access to the private Serenata Beach Club on Ponte Vedra Beach, offering exclusive amenities, waterfront dining and beach access.